MESA, Ariz. — A union representing communications workers says fiber work in Mesa has cost the city over $100,000 in damages.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) stated they obtained records from Mesa and from the Registrar of Contractors which show contractors for Gigapower, AT&T's fiber venture, have been responsible for at least 40 underground utility hits. That includes gas, water and sewer.
They said the damages totaled close to $135,000.
“I think our concern even started before we even saw a lot of the work starting to happen," said Paul Castañeda of CWA Local 7019.
Castañeda said they were concerned that fiber companies striking deals with local cities and towns would subcontract construction work out to unqualified workers.
"They bring them in, they do that work, they lay their lines, and then they're gone," Castañeda said. "They have no tie to the community. They're not the ones that are going back and servicing those customers down the road."
Castañeda said their concerns came true.
"I think Mesa is a perfect example, and even into Gilbert," he said.
12News recently exposed problems with fiber construction in Gilbert.
One resident said fiber contractors working under Gigapower struck her sewage line, causing the first floor of her home to flood with sewage water.
Another resident showed 12News how the lines were left fully exposed in his front yard.
"Even though Gigapower or Google Fiber is the quote-unquote company that's doing the work, they're hiring contractors who then, in a lot of cases, are hiring a subcontractor who's then hiring another contractor," Castañeda said.
During a recent meeting discussing a possible fiber project in Phoenix, leaders there stated Mesa and Gilbert receive two percent of Gigapower's gross revenues as part of their agreement with the company.
A Gigapower spokesperson provided 12News with a statement in response to CWA's report.
“Gigapower carefully selects experienced, professional contractors to lay fiber in the communities we serve. We hold these contractors to quality guidelines that align with industry standards, as well as applicable state, county, and local regulations. Our goal is to enrich the way the community of Mesa learns, works and plays with high-speed fiber internet service," a spokesperson said. “When our review of the report is complete and the information is verified, we will decide how best to proceed."
A Mesa spokesperson said they have yet to see the report.
“When Mesa approved its license agreements with fiber companies to future-proof the City, we understood the risks that come with construction to put in conduit, which is why the City developed processes for fiber optic infrastructure construction," said Ana Pereira, Mesa's communications director. "Unfortunately, utility hits in citywide projects are expected and occur, but are not exclusive to one company or group of contractors. We have a designated right-of-way team to monitor this activity exclusively and keep all contractors accountable."
City of Phoenix weighing fiber project
The City of Phoenix is considering a fiber project of its own.
It was discussed during a Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning subcommittee meeting on Wednesday.
Phoenix is proposing a three percent deal with a fiber company. City management said companies are asking the city if they can do "microtrenching" as part of the fiber project.
When photos of what microtrenching looks like were shown during the meeting, council members raised red flags.
"With all of the concerns already about our roads in certain areas, no," said Phoenix City Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira.
The committee members also raised concerns about whether or not qualified workers would be doing the construction. City leaders have had meetings with the CWA to go over recommendations.
The subcommittee ultimately approved the project to move ahead to a full council vote for approval scheduled for December 18. However, they said they will continue their meetings with CWA and will include any changes they come up with in the final proposal.
Castañeda is hopeful they will listen.
“All we're saying is, listen, City of Phoenix, if you're going to do that, you need to know who's actually doing the work," Castañeda said. "Not just who you initially give the permit to.”
If Phoenix approves the project, licenses could be issued to fiber companies in January.